They say that a picture is worth a 1,000 words, but in the case of the picture that appeared in the Sun Journal April 10 on the cover of the Maine section of myself and 11-year-old Silas Phipps-Costin, only one word comes to mind: absurd.

It was both ridiculous and sensational at best.

The picture takes away from what really went on at the Maine Public Broadcasting Network Advisory Board meeting, which was held on April 9, and what the meeting was all about in the first place.

After seeing the picture in the newspaper that morning, I felt sick to my stomach as many others may have felt. I had the opportunity to speak to Rex Rhoades, the executive editor of the newspaper, and asked him what his first thought was when he saw the picture, he replied, “I felt bad for you, because I know you.”

To those who don’t know me, I probably looked very hostile, and that is why I am grateful that the Sun Journal has allowed me to submit this column.

It is of the utmost importance to understand that this gathering was held for adults to discuss the role of public broadcasting and what constitutes appropriate material for children’s television. This was not an environment for children, nor was it a party. The debate was the controversial subject of homosexuality and an episode of “Postcards from Buster” that included lesbian parents.

Mr. John Costin, Silas’ dad, repeatedly told people in the gathering that he thought that his son was mature enough to handle the discussion. Did it look like he could handle it?

As far as I’m concerned, Silas and his younger brother should not have been brought to an adult-themed meeting. The only other children in the gathering were babies used as a political statement by lesbian women claiming to be their parents. The Sun Journal failed to mention that I was not there as the role of a minister, but as a father of a 5-year-old, who loves the show. By the way, I left my 15-, 14-, 10- and 5-year-old children at home because of the fact that I knew the gathering would present high emotions and passionate debate.

This event held at MPBN was not a “Sesame Street Live” show, it was an adult hearing on whether to air a “Postcards from Buster” episode featuring children with lesbian mothers.

The Sun Journal has covered my ministry with children over the last decade, and I admit I’m no stranger to controversy. But I had every right to speak my mind at the gathering. That’s what it was designed for.

I will be the first to admit that I am not your average clergyman. Sunday morning rituals, committee meetings and bean suppers do not appeal to me. I would much rather be battling issues that affect our youth and society of today. God knows I have also had my share of battles over the years with pro-choice activists, anti-war protesters, white supremacists, liberal Democrats, organizations that pass out contraceptives to youths, the popular author of the Harry Potter book series and, the latest of all, the homosexual activists.

But, I have never, and I repeat, never done anything to terrify a child. On the contrary, my entire ministry is focused on blessing little children. I’m an advocate for the youths, not an adversary.

So, why did the newspaper insist on making me look like the bad guy? Let it be known that the picture was taken after the meeting. I did not approach the child at any time, and my comments were solely directed at the advisory board members. The child was brought to me by his father, and when the boy insisted on speaking to me, I came down to his level and sat in a chair, after all I am more than 6 feet tall and weigh 250 pounds, and when I saw tears in his eyes I rested my hand on his shoulder to console and reassure him that I respected his opinions and commended him for his courage.

As the little boy struggled to explain himself, photographer Ashleigh Starke took the infamous picture.

The Rev. Douglas Taylor is an ordained Oneness Pentecostal Minister and the founder and director of The Jesus Party. He also works part-time at the Sun Journal but is not involved in the news operation.

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